O's talking to Marlins about deal for Burnett

Julio likely would be part of any trade for pitcher

DETROIT - The Florida Marlins have talked to at least six teams, including the Orioles, in the past few days about trading starting pitcher A.J. Burnett, baseball sources confirmed yesterday.

The Orioles are apparently in the Burnett sweepstakes, which may be headed by the aggressive Chicago White Sox. Also showing interest are Toronto, San Diego and both Los Angeles teams.

The Marlins are looking to acquire a late-inning reliever, with the Orioles' Jorge Julio considered a key part of a potential deal.

The Orioles reportedly won't dangle starter Daniel Cabrera but would consider including 20-year-old Hayden Penn as part of a package for Burnett, a 28-year-old right-hander.

Burnett, who is 5-5 with a 3.33 ERA in 17 starts, is making $3.65 million in the final year of his contract. The Orioles likely would want to negotiate a long-term deal with him before making any trade.

With starters Josh Beckett and Ismael Valdez nearly ready to come off the disabled list, the Marlins have seven potential candidates for the rotation. Their bullpen, however, needs to be upgraded.